DaimlerChrysler has shaken-up its internal legal function, appointing Gerd Becht as global general counsel.
Becht, who took over responsibility for the group’s worldwide legal team from 1 October, replaces former global general counsel and chief legal officer William O’Brien, who retires after 23 years with the company.
Becht joined the company in June as general counsel for Europe, Asia and Africa. He was previously legal chief at General Motors Europe.
At the same time, Richard Houtman has also been named vice president and general counsel of DaimlerChrysler Corp, a subsidiary of the Chrysler Group, which manufactures vehicles under the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands.
Last month, as part of a joint venture between DaimlerChrysler and Beijing Automative Industry Holding Company, DaimlerChrysler opened its first Chinese factory in Beijing.
